Vocabulary in context – choose the most appropriate verb to convey reassurance in reported speech. Sentence: "The passengers were afraid, but the captain ______ them that there was no danger." Select the option that best completes the sentence in natural, standard English.

Given data

• Stem: "The passengers were afraid, but the captain ______ them that there was no danger."
• Options: promised, assured, advised, counselled.

Concept/Approach
Assure means to remove doubt or give confidence/reassurance to someone. The direct object is the person being reassured ("assured them").

Option analysis
assured — correct: "assured them that there was no danger." This directly addresses their fear. ✅promised — means to commit to do something later; less precise for calming fear (you promise to do something).advised — means to give advice or recommendations, not reassurance.counselled — formal for giving guidance/therapy; does not collocate as cleanly for immediate reassurance.

Common pitfalls

• Confusing promise (commitment) with assure (reassurance).
• Using advise when no suggestion/course of action is given.

Final Answer
assured